Find a Therapist for ADHD in Chattanooga

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

This page explains ADHD, how treatment can help, and how to find therapists in Chattanooga who treat it. You’ll also find practical guidance for getting care in the city, with options that may help make appointments easier to manage.

  • Alyssa Austern, Psychologist

    Alyssa Austern

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Alyssa Austern is a Psychologist in Chatham, New Jersey and has been in practice for 16 years. They treat ADHD, Conflict Resolution, Histrionic Personality.

    Helping teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, relationships, identity development, and life transitions via teletherapy.

    View profile
  • Carlin Anderson, Psychologist

    Carlin Anderson

    Psychologist, Sport Psychologist

    7401 Metro Boulevard, Edina, Minnesota 55424

    Carlin Anderson is a Psychologist in Edina, Minnesota and has been in practice for 22 years. They treat ADHD, Learning Disorder, Perfectionism.

    Grounded in empathy and evidence-based interventions, we are 20+ sport psychology experts providing service & care to individuals, teams, & sport orgs.

    View profile
  • Hider Shaaban, Psychotherapist

    Hider Shaaban

    Psychotherapist, Psychologist

    255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

    Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat ADHD, Spiritual/Religious Concerns, Men's Issues.

    Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.

    View profile
  • Robert Buzan, Counselor

    Robert Buzan

    Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist

    920B Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514

    Robert Buzan is a Counselor in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They treat ADHD, Burnout, Performance Anxiety.

    I am a clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with college students via telehealth. I welcome clients of all backgrounds.

    View profile
  • Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC, Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Psychologist, Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat ADHD, Drug Use, Self-Esteem.

    Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement

    View profile
  • Vanessa Chafos, Certified Mental Performance Consultant

    Vanessa Chafos

    Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Counselor, Psychotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Psychologist, Sport Psychologist

    247 Nassau Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540

    Vanessa Chafos is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant in Princeton, New Jersey. They treat ADHD, Athletic Performance, Infertility.

    Accepting new clients. I am passionate about helping individuals reach their goals by harnessing their inner strengths and learning mental tools.

    View profile

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a recognized condition, not a personal weakness. It is a health condition identified by the name ADHD. Mental health organizations treat it as a real condition that can affect daily life, so it deserves care and support.

Common Signs and Symptoms

ADHD can show up as a steady pattern of distractibility, impulsivity, or restlessness that affects everyday routines rather than just occasional forgetfulness. In daily life, it may look like trouble starting tasks, losing track of time, or needing extra effort to stay organized at home, work, or school.

  • Frequently misplacing everyday items like keys, phone, wallet, or paperwork
  • Starting tasks but leaving them unfinished, especially chores, emails, or forms
  • Missing details in conversations, instructions, or written messages
  • Regularly running late or underestimating how long errands and appointments will take
  • Feeling mentally restless, fidgety, or unable to sit through long meetings or meals
  • Switching between tasks often without completing one before moving to the next
  • Making impulsive choices, such as interrupting others or buying things without planning

Why This Happens

ADHD often develops from a mix of influences rather than one single cause. Genetics play a major role, and differences in brain development and neurotransmitter activity can affect attention and impulse control. Early life factors and ongoing stressors may also shape how symptoms appear and how severe they become.

  • Biological factors
  • Family history of ADHD or related attention problems
  • Differences in brain development and executive function
  • Premature birth or other early neurologic risks
  • Psychological factors
  • Chronic stress that worsens focus and organization
  • Poor sleep, which can increase inattention and irritability
  • Low self-esteem from repeated academic or work struggles
  • Environmental factors
  • High demands or inconsistent routines that make symptoms more noticeable
  • Exposure to adversity or unstable home environments
  • Sleep disruption, screen overuse, or other habits that reduce attention capacity

How Treatment Works

Getting professional help for ADHD can make it easier to develop coping strategies that fit daily routines and responsibilities. It can also help make sense of experiences that may otherwise feel confusing or overwhelming. With support, many people find the impact on work, school, and relationships becomes more manageable over time. In Chattanooga, getting to appointments can take planning because traffic, parking, and transit coverage can vary, so telehealth may be a helpful option to reduce travel and parking burdens. Insurance acceptance also varies, and sliding-scale clinics may have waitlists, but consistent care can still be worthwhile for building practical tools and support.

Finding the right provider in Chattanooga

Choosing a therapist licensed in Tennessee is important because telehealth rules and insurance coverage can depend on where you live. This can help avoid coverage problems and make it easier to keep appointments consistent. MiResource can filter by licensure.

Local Care Logistics in Chattanooga

ADHD care in Chattanooga is often easiest to access in Downtown Chattanooga, North Shore, Southside, St. Elmo, and Hixson, though traffic can slow trips during peak commute hours and parking can be harder downtown and near hospitals. Public transit coverage varies by neighborhood, so many people drive and may need extra time for appointments. Insurance acceptance varies, and sliding-scale options may have waitlists. Telehealth can reduce travel and parking burdens, and asking about flexible times or cancellations may help when schedules are tight. It can also help to join more than one waitlist if you are looking for faster access. University semester changes and seasonal traffic from tourism, festivals, and summer travel can affect appointment availability, so planning ahead may make scheduling easier.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Chattanooga

Spending time outdoors can support day-to-day mental health with ADHD by giving the brain a low-pressure place to reset, move, and focus on one thing at a time. Short walks, sitting near water, or changing scenery can help with mood, restlessness, and nervous-system regulation without requiring a big plan. In Chattanooga, choosing familiar outdoor spaces can also make it easier to build a simple routine, which can be helpful when concentration and follow-through feel harder. On hotter or more crowded days, a quieter park or a shaded trail can keep the outing manageable.

Coolidge Park — easy for a short walk and a simple reset Tennessee Riverwalk — steady walking path and water views Stringers Ridge — good for gentle movement and a change of scenery Signal Mountain Town Park — can work for a quieter, low-pressure break Renaissance Park — open space for a brief walk or sitting pause

When to Seek Immediate Help

Use emergency services right away if ADHD symptoms are part of a severe crisis, if the person cannot stay safe, or if there is any immediate risk of harm to self or others. Call 988 for urgent mental health support, and call 911 if there is an immediate emergency or danger. In Chattanooga, you can also use Mobile Crisis Services of Southeast Tennessee or the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line, and Mobile Crisis Services of Southeast Tennessee or the Helen Ross McNabb Center Mobile Crisis Team may help with urgent crisis response. If you go for emergency care, traffic congestion can affect travel during peak commute hours, and many people drive to appointments, so plan for possible delays and parking changes near hospitals.

  1. Watch for a crisis: severe agitation, unsafe behavior, inability to calm down, or any situation where immediate safety is at risk.
  2. Call 988 for crisis support, 911 for immediate danger, or Mobile Crisis Services of Southeast Tennessee at 800-440-6445; you can also use the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line at 855-274-7471.
  3. If emergency care is needed, go to Erlanger Health System, CHI Memorial Hospital, Parkridge Medical Center, Erlanger East Hospital, or Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation.
  4. Expect triage and an assessment first; bring any current medication information if available, and be prepared for possible wait times because traffic, transit, and parking can vary across Chattanooga.

Common Questions About ADHD

Q: When should someone with ADHD see a therapist? A: It can help to see a therapist when ADHD symptoms are affecting school, work, relationships, or daily routines. Many people also seek help if they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or frustrated by repeated challenges with focus, time management, or organization. In Chattanooga, it may help to plan around commute and parking if getting to appointments is difficult.

Q: What if the first therapist is not a good fit? A: That is common, and it does not mean therapy will not help. It is reasonable to try someone else if the approach, style, or communication does not feel comfortable. You can ask for a different therapist or look for someone with experience treating ADHD.

Q: Can virtual therapy help with ADHD? A: Virtual therapy can be a good option for many people with ADHD. It may reduce travel time, parking stress, and missed appointments, which can make care easier to keep up with. It can still work well if you have a private space and a reliable connection.

Q: What should I ask when choosing a therapist for ADHD? A: You can ask whether the therapist has experience treating ADHD in adults, teens, or children, depending on your needs. It can also help to ask about their therapy style, how they set goals, and whether they offer in-person or virtual visits. In Chattanooga, you may also want to ask about insurance, sliding-scale options, and appointment availability.

Q: Does therapy for ADHD help over time? A: Therapy can help people build skills and strategies that improve over time with practice. It may support better routines, coping tools, and problem-solving, though progress can vary from person to person. Some people notice changes gradually, especially when therapy is combined with other supports.

Local Resources in Chattanooga

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Chattanooga, TN who treat ADHD. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

Share: